NOTICE

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By February 6, 2025, the proposed draft regulations may be viewed on the VMRC web calendar at https://mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm.

In accordance with Section 28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the proposed amendments to these regulations will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia.

Written public comments on the proposals below or on items not on the agenda must be provided by 12:00 p.m., Monday, February 20, 2025. Comments should be made at the following link: https://webapps.mrc.virginia.gov/public/fisheries/search_publiccomments.php or addressed to Public Comments, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651.

I. Chapter 4VAC20-1360-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Commercial Electrofishing”

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-1360-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Commercial Electrofishing”, to expand the electrofishing fishery, broaden eligibility for new licenses, increase harvest areas, redefine restricted areas, and remove size limits on blue catfish.

The purpose of these amendments is to increase harvest of invasive blue catfish from Virginia waters, increase access for commercial watermen to a burgeoning resource, and reduce user conflicts with this fishery. 

VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS BECAUSE OF A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE MICHELE GUILFORD (757-247-2206) NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.